Long Range Forces in Quantum Gravity

TL;DR

This paper computes quantum corrections to the Newtonian potential in quantum gravity, showing they originate from massless propagations and differ from previous results, with connections to string theory.

Contribution

It provides a novel one-loop calculation of quantum corrections to gravity's potential, contrasting with prior work and linking to string perturbation results.

Findings

Quantum corrections arise solely from massless degrees of freedom.

The one-loop result disagrees with Donoghue's calculation.

Connections to string perturbation theory are established.

Abstract

We calculate the leading quantum and semi-classical corrections to the Newtonian potential energy of two widely separated static masses. In this large-distance, static limit, the quantum behaviour of the sources does not contribute to the quantum corrections of the potential. These arise exclusively from the propagation of massless degrees of freedom. Our one-loop result is based on Modanese's formulation and is in disagreement with Donoghue's recent calculation. Also, we compare and contrast the structural similarities of our approach to scattering at ultra-high energy and large impact parameter. We connect our approach to results from string perturbation theory.